The popular Walmer Street Bridge over the Yarra between Kew and Abbotsford will be closed for 8 months from next Monday.
Detours are suggested, but will add time and distance for riders.
The crossing is a vital link in the Main Yarra Trail, enabling continuous passage along the river where the trail switches to the other side.
The crossing is closed to allow the reconstruction of the land-bridge on the northern side of the river, which is decrepit and sub-standard.
The City of Boroondara, with federal government funding assistance, will double the width of the ramp while lessening the steepness, provide handrail lighting, and make other improvements.
The city has spent more than a decade on remedial works and plans to upgrade the land bridge, and has also campaigned for the replacement of the bridge structure across the river.
A recent heritage classification of the bridge has stalled plans for its replacement.
The northern land bridge is managed by Boroondara, the central bridge is a state asset while the southern land bridge is the responsibility of the City of Yarra.
Detour routes are proposed east and west of the Walmer Street Bridge.
One is for those riding west of the bridge and the other for east of the bridge.
The routes have been publicised extensively in the lead up to the closure.
